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Wild's Bickel Demoted To AHL

Analysis: Though there's an opening in Friday's lineup for a defenseman with Jared Spurgeon (face) ruled out, coach Mike Yeo decided Christian Folin, who was recalled from AHL Iowa, was better equipped than Stu Bickel to fill the void. The 28-year-old Bickel, who has one point in nine games with the Wild, seems to be regarded as just an organizational depth player at this stage of his career.

Wild Recall Bickel

News: The Wild have recalled Stu Bickel from AHL Iowa, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis:Stu Bickel, who has played in nine games for the Wild this season, recording one assist and 46 penalty minutes, will give the team some added depth and flexibility (he can play either forward or defense), with forwards Jason Zucker and Ryan Carter having landed on IR.

Wild Reassign Bickel

News:Stu Bickel was reassigned to AHL Iowa on Thursday, Chad Graff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: He'll be replaced by Matt Dumba, who was recalled from Iowa in a corresponding move. Stu Bickel's stint with the parent club lasted just three days, with the blueliner serving as a healthy scratch in the Wild's lone game during that time.

Wild's Bickel Clears Waivers

News:Stu Bickel cleared waivers Friday and has been reassigned to AHL Iowa, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: It sounds like the Wild expect to have one of their ailing blueliners (Marco Scandella or Nate Prosser) back for Saturday's game against the Predators, eliminating the team's need to keep an extra defenseman around. Stu Bickel will be able to log more regular ice time with the move back to Iowa.

Wild's Bickel Collects 39 PIM In Loss

News:Stu Bickel was credited with 39 PIM in Saturday's blowout loss to the Stars. All six of his penalties came in the third period.

Analysis: That PIM total marks the highest contribution from any NHL player in that category this season. However, with only one assist this season and no guaranteed regular spot in the Wild lineup, the 28-year-old isn't much use in fantasy outside of his PIM contributions.

Wild's Bickel Will Stay In Minnesota

Analysis: An initial report included Stu Bickel on a list accompanied by Justin Falk and Jordan Schroeder that were headed down to the AHL. However, that was later retracted by the Wild, as Falk and Schroeder will head to Iowa, but Bickel will not.

Wild's Bickel Assigned To AHL Iowa

Analysis:Stu Bickel has bounced back and fourth from Minnesota and Iowa this season. The Wild don't have a game until Thursday against the Flyers, so Bickel will get an opportunity for some time on the ice while Minnesota can do without his emergency depth for the time being.

Wild Recall Bickel

Analysis: Injuries sustained by Jonas Brodin and Erik Haula will keep both players out of Tuesday's game against the Bruins, prompting the team to add Stu Bickel and Justin Falk from Iowa. Falk will fill Brodin's spot on the blue line Tuesday, while Bickel serves as a healthy scratch. Bickel's ability to play at both defense and the wing will give the Wild a versatile lineup option in future contests, in the event Haula and Brodin are forced to miss further action.

Wild Place Bickel On Waivers

Analysis:Stu Bickel will be reassigned to AHL Iowa once he clears waivers, though he should be back up in the NHL at some point. Placing Bickel on waivers will allow the Wild to activate Justin Fontaine (groin) from injured reserve.

Wild's Bickel A Healthy Scratch

Analysis:Stu Bickel had a strong presason and gives the Wild flexibility in that he can play both wing and as a defenseman, but he may be sent to the minors when Justin Fontaine returns from injured reserve.

Wild's Bickel Competing For Job On Wing

News: Coach Mike Yeo said Friday that Stu Bickel is in contention for a roster spot with the Wild as a winger, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Though he's listed as a defenseman, the presence of fellow young blueliners Mathew Dumba and Christian Folin would probably have prevented from cracking the roster in that capacity. Instead, his versatility to play wing might prove to be an asset, as the Wild are in need of an extra forward after Justin Fontaine was ruled out for the next few weeks with a groin injury. If he makes the team, Stu Bickel isn't likely to see much ice time, but may still provide some utility in leagues that count penalty minutes.

Wild's Bickel Gets Time At Forward

News:Stu Bickel played right wing for several shifts during Thursday's exhibition loss to Pittsburgh. "The more versatile a player, the more opportunities are there for him," head coach Mike Yeo told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Analysis:Stu Bickel will remain a defenseman as he's trying to win a last spot on the blue line, but the versatility could help him win a roster spot.

Wild Ink Bickel To One-Year, Two-Way Deal

News:Stu Bickel signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Wild on Tuesday, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis:Stu Bickel spent the 2013-14 campaign with the Rangers' AHL affiliate at Hartford, notching a goal and seven assists in 24 games. He'll provide organizational depth at the defenseman spot for the Wild, but probably won't get an opportunity with the parent club unless a wave of injuries strikes.

Rangers' Bickel Clears Waivers

News: After clearing waivers, Stu Bickel has been assigned to Hartford of the AHL, reports Steve Zipay of Newsday.

Analysis: The previously undrafted free agent is in the final season of his two-year contract with the Rangers. Stu Bickel played in just seven games of the lockout-shortened season after registering no goals, nine assists and 108 penalty minutes in 51 games with the Rangers in 2011-12. While the 26-year-old can play both defense and right wing, his fantasy relevance doesn't go far beyond penalty minutes.

Rangers' Bickel To See Increased Ice Time?

News: After logging very little ice time the past few games, Stu Bickel was seen in practice wearing a forward jersey Wednesday, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

Analysis: In light of Ryan Callahan's (shoulder) injury, it appears Stu Bickel may move to the fourth line as a forward. Whether this is temporary or not remains to be seen, but Bickel would most likely form a unit with Aaron Asham and Jeff Halpern.